GREEN BAY – So, Malik Willis, how does it feel to win a game you never would've imagined starting at quarterback 10 days ago, let alone 20 when you'd never even put on a Packers uniform before?
"It's cool," Willis said with a smile. "I can't complain."
Forgive Willis for downplaying any enthusiasm following the 16-10 victory over the Colts on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
He admitted he hasn't really had a chance to process all the emotions of what's been a whirlwind past three weeks – as he was relegated to third string by Tennessee, then traded to Green Bay for a seventh-round draft pick, and suddenly thrust into a starting role in Week 2 after Jordan Love went down with a knee injury in Brazil.
"The season's started now," Willis said, explaining his mindset. "When I got traded, it was a little bit emotional. I didn't know how to feel. But with the season coming, I just had to flush all that. We can worry about it later, and just understand this season doesn't wait on anybody."
Indeed it doesn't, and to his tremendous credit, Willis did everything Head Coach Matt LaFleur and his staff asked of him in an emergency situation.
Sure, statistically it looks easy to hand the ball off 47 times to five different ball-carriers, run it six times himself, and throw just 14 passes. But LaFleur cautioned to not be fooled.
Just spitting out long play calls in the huddle is no picnic when a QB has taken a crash course in the offense and crammed as much of the playbook into his head as possible in less than 20 days.
Speaking of spitting, Willis even had to deal with a third-down snap from Josh Myers after his center had vomited on the ball. The combination of a hot day, chugging electrolytes on the sideline, and a momentary throat gag during the snap count forced Willis to just tuck and run to protect the ball.
"That's the first time I've ever heard that," LaFleur said, wondering why in the moment Willis didn't try to throw for the first down. "I think Malik probably didn't appreciate that."
But honestly, it was just further proof he was zoned in on playing as mistake-free as he could, which is invaluable when a team is holding a two-score lead from late in the first quarter until late in the fourth.
"I don't think you guys can appreciate or even comprehend the task … I mean, this guy got here three weeks ago and for him to be able to go out there and command our offense …," LaFleur said.
"There was a lot put on his plate and for him to be able to go out there and do what he did today, I think that speaks volumes of who he is as a person and the work that he's put in. Just super proud of him."
This was just Willis' fourth NFL start, and first since his rookie year in 2022 at Tennessee, where he started three games, losing two. He explained he wasn't always taking full-speed reps in practice, or a full complement of them, with Ryan Tannehill possibly able to play and other teammates banged up, but he made no excuses for failing to throw for more than 100 yards in any of those games.
The Packers left the door open for Love to make a miraculous recovery, but he didn't practice all week, so it was Willis' show to get ready. And he was ready when word became official Saturday that Love had to rest.
"The last opportunity I got to start a game was my rookie year," Willis said. "I wasn't where I wanted to be as far as the offense went, or just where I was playing NFL football as a rookie. You don't control that.
"This is a results-based business. That's just what it is. I just continued to try to work until I got another opportunity and it just so happened it came this week."
Willis called this chance with the Packers a "clean slate" for him, and to get a win is both gratifying and confidence-building. He was remarkably efficient when called on to throw, completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards with a TD and nary a ball in harm's way (126.8 rating). A monster ground game that produced 261 yards, Green Bay's most in more than 20 years, was the key, but Willis also delivered in the clutch.
He converted a collection of third downs with confident throws, to Dontayvion Wicks for a TD, and to Tucker Kraft and Romeo Doubs to set up field goals. The 39-yard deep ball to Doubs was not unlike the type of throw Love would make, recognizing single coverage on the outside and giving a receiver he trusts a chance to make a play.
Doubs' leaping snag while contorting his body around the defender was classic Doubs – "He went up and got it. It was awesome to see," Willis said – and it was just the kind of play that demoralizes a defense worn out from getting pounded by a running game it took far too long to contain.
Willis' chemistry with the receivers will remain a work in progress. Week 1 star Jayden Reed got just two targets, and Christian Watson didn't have a single ball thrown his way. But consistent with that group's unselfishness, Willis won't hear any gripes.
"I know they wish they had more opportunities, but the way we were running the ball, it's just what it is," Willis said. "You've got to lean on that. Those big guys were like, 'Hey, put it on us,' you know what I mean?
"It's great to see them fight through the adversity of losing the starting guy and having a guy who's been here three weeks come in and kind of rally behind me. I rallied behind them and we did this thing together."
They may have to try again. There's been no update on Love's status for next week, when the opponent happens to be Tennessee, setting the stage for a revenge game of sorts for Willis.
True to form from a QB who's shown an ability to block out distractions, that angle isn't top of mind, if on his mind at all.
"Nah, I don't need all that to keep going," Willis said. "I just continue to be grateful for the opportunity I'm given. I'm blessed with another … however long I'm here, however many opportunities I get, and that's all I'm concerned about is continuing to work hard and be ready when another opportunity comes."
In other words, he's cool, and can't complain.
